The Fear of Trying: The Gardener’s Notebook

The Fear of Trying: The Gardener’s Notebook

Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or simply a plant enthusiast, you’ve probably experienced the "blank page" effect. That feeling of uncertainty at the beginning of something new, coupled with a desire to communicate something genuine, to be heard. But where to start?

The choice is complex: there’s so much to say, but what is the one thing that can truly interest and engage people? Should you write about what’s popular, or take an alternative route, choosing something original and unconventional?

When it comes to plants, we find a plethora of advice and ideas online, often contradictory, sometimes even incorrect or overly simplistic. But there’s one aspect that is rarely mentioned, and that’s the fear of trying. Yes, the fear of taking care of plants, of failing, of “not having a green thumb.” How many times have I heard phrases like: "I’m not good at it, they all die on me," or, "It’s not for me, better to leave it."

These words hide a deeper reality: the choice to not engage, to not overcome our insecurities. The fear of failure can become paralyzing, closing us off from the world and from nature.

Where to Start?

If you’re thinking of exploring the world of plants, there’s no need to rush out and buy an entire collection for your balcony. Start by looking around you. Go outdoors, observe public gardens, take a moment to notice the small wonders of nature.

Observe a blade of grass shining in the morning dew, a flower blooming in spring, or a plant growing between cracks in the pavement. Nature has no fear: it accepts the cycle of life, growth, decay, and even death as part of a perfect balance.

Living in Harmony with Nature

When you learn to observe and accept nature without fear, you discover that it is pure beauty, a continuous lesson in adaptation and resilience. Embracing this perspective means approaching plants without fears or insecurities. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to make mistakes. Each plant is a journey, and every journey begins with a first step.

Whether or not you succeed in making a plant bloom doesn’t matter. What’s important is not letting yourself be overwhelmed by the fear of trying. Nature teaches us that every mistake is part of growth and that there’s no failure, only experiences that enrich us